Who The Anti-Eviction Mapping Project
The Anti-Eviction Mapping Project is a data-visualization, data analysis, and digital storytelling collective documenting the dispossession of Bay Area residents in the wake of the Tech Boom 2.0. We are a collective of housing justice activists, researchers... Read More

Alameda, CA -- With historic fights for rent control and just cause eviction protections organized by everyday people all over the state, California’s tenant movement is on the rise! A state bill to repeal Costa-Hawkins has been introduced, AB 1506, and dozens of new local tenant protections have been introduced or passed in 2016 and 2017 alone.

On Saturday, September 23rd and 24th over 400 tenants, organizers, and allies are gathering at Alameda High School for a two-day conference, “California Renter Power,” to develop deep solidarity, political unity, and collective power for tenants’ rights and housing justice movements across California. Attendees are renters and organizers coming to sharpen their skills and deepen support networks across state and local campaigns.

“Most cities don’t have laws that stop landlords from increasing the rent however much they want. Landlords, developers and real estate speculators make millions while we face the trauma of rising rents, evictions, displacement and homelessness. Communities can’t thrive in these conditions,” says Betty Gabaldon, Tenants Together member. “Everyone has a right to a safe, healthy, affordable home. Everyone has a right to stay in their home and live where they choose.”

“Displacement and gentrification aren’t accidents. They are rooted in racist, sexist and colonial practices which directly impact communities of color and women the hardest,”says Merika Reagan, member of Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment. “We believe that for everyone to have safe, healthy, affordable housing, we must build tenant power to shape our communities.”

Assembly organizers believe the laws that restrict rent control and make it easy for landlords to evict, the Costa Hawkins Rental Housing Act and the Ellis Act, must be repealed. On Sunday afternoon the Assembly is holding a Q&A panel with state legislators who are sponsoring AB 1506 to repeal Costa Hawkins.

WHERE: Alameda High School, 2201 Encinal Ave in the City of Alameda.

WHEN: Sunday, Sept 24th 12:30–1:45pm for a panel Q&A discussion with key elected officials on tenant policies in California.

California Renter Power is sponsored by Tenants Together, Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment, Homes for All, and The Right to the City Alliance.